Hollow carbon fiber and production method

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a hollow carbon fibers, hollow carbon particle and production method thereof comprising a step for baking and carbonization of polymer particles having a specified volume after deformation of them. A metal-deposited carbon fiber with metal deposited inside and/or outside the hollow carbon fiber, its production method and electron discharge device. The thickness and crystallinity of the graphite layer can be freely controlled. Since almost no by-product is generated, a step of separation and refining by solvent or the like is not required. The hollow carbon particle of a desired shape can be produced at a high yield rate. According to the present invention, the hollow carbon fiber represented by a carbon nano-tube can be controlled in such a way that a low resistance and uniform shape (fiber diameter and length) are provided with the result that there is an increase in the amount of electrons discharged from the hollow carbon fiber. Accordingly, use of this hollow carbon fiber as an electron discharge source provides an excellent electron discharge device characterized by stable pixels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a hollow carbon fiber, hollow carbon particle, production method thereof, and a composite of the fiber and resin.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] The hollow carbon fiber represented by a carbon nano-tube is several nm to several hundred nm in diameter and several nm to several dozen nm in length, and the wall consists of a cylindrical form made of several to several dozen graphite walls.

[0005] The hollow carbon fiber has attracted attention for such conspicuous characteristics as mechanical strength, hydrogen storage properties and electric field discharge properties, and studies have been made on its practical application.

[0006] The prior art is disclosed in Japanese Patent NO. 2845675 where carbon is coagulated subsequent to its evaporation by arc discharge in the inactive atmosphere, Japanese Application Patent Laid-Open Publication NO. 109310/2000 wherein at least one of X-ray, microwave and ultrasonic wave is applied to the carbon material including —C≡C— and/or —C═C—, and Japanese Application Patent Laid-Open Publication NO. 95509/2000 wherein a carbon nano-tube is made to grow by contact between carbon vapor and non-magnetic transition metal.

[0007] In any of these production methods, however, the Yield of intended carbon nano-tube is low, and by-production of carbonaceous material similar to carbon black and amorphous carbon cannot be avoided. When metallic catalyst is used, it is necessary to refine reaction products, and metallic catalyst cannot be removed completely by refining, with the result that aforementioned hydrogen storage properties and electric field discharge properties are reduced. Such disadvantages cannot be avoided in the prior art.

[0008] Further, the aforementioned production methods are practically incapable of controlling the number of wall layers, diameter and length of the hollow carbon tube represented by a carbon nano-tube. It has been very difficult to get uniform shape and characteristics.

[0009] A hollow carbon particle represented by fullerene is several nm to several hundred nm in diameter, and the wall comprises several nm to several dozen graphite layers including the five-membered ring or seven-membered ring.

[0010] Hollow carbon particles have attracted attention for such conspicuous characteristics as mechanical strength, hydrogen storage properties and electric field discharge properties, and studies have been made on its practical application. In the prior art, carbon is coagulated subsequent to its evaporation by arc discharge in the inactive atmosphere, and is then separated and refined.

[0011] However, the yield fullerene is low, and by-production of carbonaceous material similar to carbon black and amorphous carbon cannot be avoided. Further, separation and refining using solvent such as benzene are essential, and a remarkable reduction in productivity has been unavoidable.

[0012] Further, the aforementioned production methods are practically incapable of controlling the number of wall layers, diameter and length of the hollow carbon particles represented by fullerene.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An object of the present invention is to solve the problems involved in the aforementioned known production method, hollow carbon fiber represented by carbon nano-tube obtained therefrom, and hollow carbon particles.

[0014] The present invention provides the method for manufacturing the hollow carbon fiber and hollow carbon particle, which allows the number of wall layers, diameter and length of the hollow carbon particles to be controlled, and ensures uniform shape and characteristics.

[0015] What is more, the present invention provides a method hollow carbon fiber and its production method characterized by comparatively easy mass production since it does not use metallic catalyst; hence it does not require a step of refining and elimination thereof.

[0016] The present invention also provides a method hollow carbon fiber and its production method characterized by comparatively easy mass production characterized by almost no generation of by-products, separation or refining by solvent.

[0017] The following describes the summary of the present invention:

[0018] (1) A hollow carbon fiber production method comprising a step of baking and carbonization of polymer particles having a volume of 100 mm³ or smaller after deforming.

[0019] (2) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to the aforementioned (1), characterized by deforming the aforementioned polymer particles by heating.

[0020] (3) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to the aforementioned (1) characterized by deforming polymer particles with mechanical force.

[0021] (4) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to the aforementioned 1, characterized by deforming polymer particles with irradiation of electromagnetic wave.

[0022] (5) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to the aforementioned (1), characterized by deforming polymer particles by any one of combinations of the methods described in according to the aforementioned (2) to (4).

[0023] (6) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to the aforementioned (1), characterized in that the diameter of a polymer particle is 5 to 5000 times that of a hollow carbon fiber as a final product.

[0024] (7) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (1), characterized in that one or both ends of the fiber are closed.

[0025] (8) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (1), characterized in that the aspect ratio (length/diameter) of the fiber is 1 or more.

[0026] (9) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (1), characterized in that the diameter and length of a fiber are controlled by the volume of polymer particles.

[0027] (10) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (1), characterized by containing a step of producing polymer particles by a combination of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers.

[0028] (11) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (10), characterized by containing a step of producing a micro-capsule from polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers, and baking the aforementioned micro-capsule subsequent to melting and spinning.

[0029] (12) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (10), characterized in that the difference between softening temperature of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and that of carbon precursor polymers does not exceed 100 degrees Celsius.

[0030] (13) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (10) or (11), characterized in that the ratio between inner and outer diameters of the aforementioned hollow carbon fiber is controlled by the ratio of thickness between the layer of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and that of carbon precursor polymers.

[0031] (14) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (10) or (11), characterized in that the number of layers of the aforementioned hollow carbon fiber is controlled by the ratio of thickness between the layer of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and that of carbon precursor polymers.

[0032] (15) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (10) or (11), characterized by using polymers wherein the residual carbon percentage of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition does not exceed 10 percent by weight and that of carbon precursor polymers does not exceed 15 percent by weight.

[0033] (16) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (11) characterized in that the aforementioned micro-capsules are prepared by interfacial chemical technique.

[0034] (17) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (11) characterized in that the aforementioned micro-capsules are prepared by seed polymerization.

[0035] (18) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (11) characterized in that the aforementioned carbon precursor polymers is formed of monomer comprising a radically polymerizable groups.

[0036] (19) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (18) characterized in that the aforementioned carbon precursor polymer has the units formed of acrylonitrile monomers contained in polymers.

[0037] (20) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (11), characterized in that the aforementioned polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition is formed of the monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group.

[0038] (21) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (11), characterized in that a polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon precursor polymer are formed of the monomer comprising radically polymerizable groups, and a compound wherein carbon remains as a major component in the process of carbonization is used as a polymerization initiator.

[0039] (22) A hollow carbon fiber according to (1), characterized in that the polymer particles each have a prescribed volume.

[0040] (23) A hollow carbon fiber according to any one of (1) to (12) and (16) to (22), comprising a hollow formed of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon shell formed of carbon precursor polymer.

[0041] (24) A composite of a hollow carbon fiber according to (23) and resin.

[0042] (25) A hollow carbon fiber characterized in that the content of metal and metallic compound does not exceed 1 percent by weight.

[0043] (26) A hollow carbon fiber production method characterized in that the content of metal and metallic compound does not exceed 1 percent by weight, where no metal or metallic compound is used in steps of production.

[0044] (27) A hollow carbon fiber production method characterized in that the content of metal and metallic compound does not exceed 1 percent by weight, where no metal or metallic compound is eliminated or refined in step of production.

[0045] (28) A hollow carbon fiber according to (25) comprising a hollow formed of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon shells formed of carbon precursor polymer.

[0046] (29) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (26) or (27) characterized in that the aforementioned hollow carbon fiber is produced by a combination of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers.

[0047] (30) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (29) characterized by containing a step of producing a micro-capsule comprising polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers, and baking the aforementioned micro-capsule subsequent to melting and spinning.

[0048] (31) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (30), characterized by using polymers wherein the residual carbon percentage of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition does not exceed 10 percent by weight and that of carbon precursor polymers does not exceed 15 percent by weight.

[0049] (32) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (30) characterized in that the aforementioned micro-capsules are prepared by interfacial chemical technique.

[0050] (33) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (30) characterized in that the aforementioned micro-capsules are prepared by seed polymerization.

[0051] (34) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (29) characterized in that the aforementioned carbon precursor polymers are formed of monomers comprising a radically polymerizable group.

[0052] (35) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (34) characterized in that the aforementioned carbon precursor polymer has 35 mole percent or more of units formed of acrylonitrile monomers contained in polymer.

[0053] (36) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (29) characterized in that the aforementioned polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition is formed of the monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group.

[0054] (37) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (29) characterized in that a polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon precursor polymer are formed of a monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group, and a compound wherein carbon remains as a major component in the process of carbonization is used as a polymerization initiator.

[0055] (38) A hollow carbon fiber production method according to (29) characterized in that a polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon precursor polymer are formed of the monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group, and the compound comprising only the element selected from among carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine is used as a polymerization initiator.

[0056] (39) A composite of the hollow carbon fiber according to (25) and resin.

[0057] (40) A hollow carbon particle comprising a hollow formed of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon shell formed of carbon precursor polymer.

[0058] (41) A hollow carbon particle production method characterized in that the aforementioned hollow carbon fiber is produced by a combination of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers.

[0059] (42) A hollow carbon particle production method according to (41) characterized by containing a step of producing a micro-capsule comprising polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers, and baking the aforementioned micro-capsule.

[0060] (43) A hollow carbon particle production method according to (41) or (42) characterized by using polymers wherein the residual carbon percentage of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition does not exceed 10 percent by weight and that of carbon precursor polymers does not exceed 15 percent by weight.

[0061] (44) A hollow carbon particle production method according to (42) characterized in that the aforementioned micro-capsules are prepared by interfacial chemical technique.

[0062] (45) A hollow carbon particle production method according to (42) characterized in that the aforementioned micro-capsules are prepared by seed polymerization.

[0063] (46) A hollow carbon particle production method according to (42) characterized in that the aforementioned carbon precursor polymers are formed of monomers comprising a radically polymerizable group.

[0064] (47) A hollow carbon particle production method according to (46) characterized in that the aforementioned carbon precursor polymer has 35 mole percent or more of units formed of acrylonitrile monomers contained in polymers.

[0065] (48) A hollow carbon particle production method according to (42) characterized in that the aforementioned polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition is formed of the monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group.

[0066] (49) A hollow carbon particle production method according to (42) characterized in that a polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon precursor polymer are formed of a monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group, and a compound comprising only the element selected from among carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine is used as a polymerization initiator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067]FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view representing an example of an electron discharge device wherein a hollow carbon fiber is used as an electron discharge source;

[0068]FIG. 2 is a view representing an example of the equivalent circuit of the electron discharge element where the hollow carbon fiber based on printing method is used as an electron discharge source; and

[0069]FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the hollow carbon fiber production process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0070] The following describes a hollow carbon fiber and its production method containing a step of baking and carbonization of polymer particles having a specified volume after deforming.

[0071] When polymer particles are deformed by heating, they are preferred to be heated at the temperature higher than that where they are softened. Further, the heating temperature is preferred to be higher than glass transition temperature.

[0072] Although the diameter of the polymer particle is not restricted, the diameter of the carbon fiber as a final product can be controlled in terms of the diameter of polymer particle.

[0073] Accordingly, use of polymer particles having a smaller diameter is preferred to get fibers of a small diameter.

[0074] It is preferred that the volume of the polymer particle do not exceed 100 mm³. The diameter and length of the carbon fiber as a final product can be controlled in terms of the volume of the polymer particle. Thus, use of polymer particles having a smaller volume is preferred to get fibers of a small diameter.

[0075] It is preferred that the aspect ratio (length/diameter) of the fiber be 1 or more. Fibers of the optimum aspect ratio can be provided in response to the particular application. To get fine and long fibers, it is effective to increase the heating temperature, decrease polymer viscosity, increase spinning speed, increase the winding speed of the spun yard in the step of melting and spinning.

[0076] The difference of softening temperature between polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition forming the polymer particle and carbon precursor polymers is preferred not to exceed 100 degrees Celsius. If temperature difference exceeds 100 degrees Celsius, the difference of viscosity will occur between the polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymer in the process of spinning, and spun yarn will tend to break. The difference in softening temperatures between the two types of aforementioned polymers is preferred not to exceed 50 degrees Celsius. It is more preferred if this difference does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius.

[0077] The hollow carbon fiber of the present invention comprises a hollow formed of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition at the time of baking and a carbon shell formed of carbon precursor polymer. This can be produced by a combination of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition carbon precursor polymers.

[0078] As a specific means, it is preferred to have a step of producing a micro-capture from polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition carbon precursor polymer, and baking the micro-capsule after melting and spinning.

[0079] Reaction control in each process will be facilitated by producing a micro-capsule comprising polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymer, and baking it after spinning. The present invention makes it easier to control the shape of hollow carbon fiber than the aforementioned known production method, and ensures higher yield.

[0080] In the preparation of micro-capsule according to the present invention, the residual carbon percentage of the polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition is preferred to be equal to or smaller than 15 percent by weight, more preferred to be equal to smaller than 7 percent by weight, and still more preferred to be equal to or smaller than 5 percent by weight. The residual carbon percentage of the carbon precursor polymer is preferred to be equal to or greater than 15 percent by weight, more preferred to be equal to or greater than 30 percent by weight, and still more preferred to be equal to or greater than 50 percent by weight.

[0081] Control of the diameter of the hollow carbon fiber pore and control of structure of the graphite forming the wall are facilitated by the use of the polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition with the residual carbon percentage equal to or smaller than 10 percent by weight.

[0082] Control of the diameter of the hollow carbon fiber pore and control of structure of the graphite forming the wall will be made difficult by the use of the carbon precursor polymer with the residual carbon percentage greater than 15 percent by weight, with the result that control to get a desired shape is made difficult.

[0083] If aforementioned conditions are met, there is no restriction to a material for the micro-capsule in the present invention. When the workability in the spinning step is taken into account, use of thermoplastic resin is preferred.

[0084] For example, olefinic resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, diene-based resins such as polybutadiene, acrylic resins such as methyl polyacrylate and ethyl polyacrylate, methacrylic resins such as methyl polyamethacrylate and ethyl polymethaacrylate, and polyether resins such as vinyl polyacetate resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol can be enumerated as preferred materials for polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition.

[0085] Of these, acrylic resins such as methyl polyacrylate and ethyl polyacrylate, and methacrylic resins such as methyl polymethacrylate and ethyl polymethacrylate are preferred.

[0086] Polyacrylonitrile resin, phenol resin, furan resin, divinyl benzene resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyimide resin, diallyl phthalate resin, vinyl ester resin, polyurethane resin, melamine resin and urea resin can be enumerated as preferred materials for carbon precursor polymer.

[0087] No restriction is placed on the production method for the aforementioned micro-capsule. When the workability in the spinning step is taken into account, use of the following method is preferred; seed polymerization based on the seed of a polymer disappearing due to thermal, decomposition having a diameter of 0.001 to 100 micron (μm), coacervation method, interfacial condensation method, spray drying method and wet blending method based on hybridizer. Seed polymerization method is preferred when the polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition has a diameter of 0.001 to 1 micron.

[0088] When the micro-capsule is synthesized according to seed polymerization method, it is preferred to synthesize the micro-capsule from the radically polymerizable monomer. Polyacrylonitrile resin using acrylonitrile resin as a monomer is preferred. Polyacrylonitrile resin containing 35 mole % or more monomer unit formed by acrylonitrile resin in the polymer is preferred.

[0089] No restriction is placed on the production method for the polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition having a diameter of 0.001 to 100 micron. The following methods can be cited as examples; a method of screening for pulverization of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition, or a method of directly getting particles by polymerization such as reversed phase emulsion polymerization, emulsion polymerization, soap free emulsion polymerization, non-aqueous dispersion polymerization, seed polymerization and suspension polymerization. The method of directly getting particles by polymerization such as reversed phase emulsion polymerization, emulsion polymerization, soap free emulsion polymerization, non-aqueous dispersion polymerization, seed polymerization and suspension polymerization is preferred when workability is taken into account. Emulsion polymerization and soap free emulsion polymerization are preferred to get the polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition having a diameter of 0.001 to 1 micron.

[0090] No restriction is placed on the polymerization initiator used when producing micro-capsules. When the finally produced hollow carbon fiber of higher purity is required, it is preferred to use the compound where carbon remains as a main component in the step of carbonization, for example, the compound comprising only the element selected from among carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine wherein the content of the elements other than carbon does not exceed 30%. Such a compound is exemplified by diazo compound such as azobisisobutylonitrile, azobis (2-aminopropane) dihydrochloride, azobis-4-cyianopentanoic acid and azobisdimethylvaleronitrile, organic peroxide such as benzoyl peroxide, and peroxide salt such as ammonium persulfate.

[0091] The micro-capsule obtained from the aforementioned step is fed to the spinning step. There is no restriction to the spinning means according to the present invention; the known method can be used.

[0092] For example, when the micro-capsule is molten, it is put into a copper-made crucible as material together with the resin becoming a matrix (for example, polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition the same one as that used as the aforementioned micro-capsule seed or different one), and is heated to 100 to 300 degrees Celsius by a ribbon heater until the material is molten. Then the molten resin material is wound by a motor through the pore (e.g. 1 mm in diameter).

[0093] In this case, there is no restriction to the blending ratio between micro-capsule and matrix. For example, the ratio of the former to the latter is preferred to be 1 to 0.3 through 1.5. The form of the hollow carbon fiber can be controlled by adjusting the heating temperature at the time of melting the material, the pore diameter on the bottom of the crucible, the speed of the winding motor, and the peripheral speed and shape of the winding portion.

[0094] Then a hollow carbon fiber can be obtained in the step of baking and carbonization. The baking and carbonization temperature is preferably from 500 to 3200 degrees Celsius, and more preferably from 600 to 3000 degrees Celsius. If baking and carbonization temperature is below 500 degrees Celsius, formation of a graphite layer will be insufficient with the result that such characteristics as mechanical strength, hydrogen storage characteristics and electric field discharge characteristics will be reduced. If baking and carbonization temperature is higher than 3200 500 degrees Celsius, part or almost all of carbon atoms forming a graphite layer will subliminate with the result that a defect will be caused on the graphite layer.

[0095] The hollow carbon fiber obtained in the aforementioned step is characterized in that the content of metal and metallic compound is 1 percent by weight or less.

[0096] The production method according to the present invention allows hollow carbon fibers to be produced without using metal or metallic compound in the hollow carbon fiber production process, or without removing or refining metal or metallic compound wherein the content of metal and metallic compound is 1 percent by weight or less.

[0097] The prior art method for producing carbon fiber requires a catalyst of metal and metallic compound for the purpose of growth of gas phase especially in the step of producing carbon tubes. The present invention, however, provides carbon fibers of high purity, especially carbon nano-tubes of high purity, without requiring any catalyst of metal or metallic compound in the step of production; hence, any step of removing and refining the catalyst of metal and metallic compound after production.

[0098] The following describes the specific production method according to the present invention. However, the present invention is not restricted thereto. For example, it is also possible to form a hollow using the polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition in the step of baking, and to form a shell using the carbon precursor polymer which is turned into carbon by baking. Namely, production is based on the combination between the polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymer.

[0099] To put it more specifically, the preferred method for producing hollow carbon fibers is to form micro-capsules from the polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymer and to bake them subsequent to melting and spinning.

[0100] Reaction control in each process will be facilitated by producing a micro-capsule comprising polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymer, and baking it after spinning. The present invention makes it easier to control the shape of hollow carbon fiber than the aforementioned known production method, and ensures higher yield.

[0101] The following describes the embodiments according to the present invention:

First Embodiment

[0102] (1) Synthesis of Polymer Disappearing due to Thermal Decomposition

[0103] 35 ml of methyl methacrylate, 350 ml of ion exchange water and 29 mg ammonium persulfate were put in a 1000 ml flask, and ultrasonic wave was applied for 30 minutes while nitrogen was bubbling. An agitating blade was mounted on the flask, and reaction was performed by agitating it at a speed of 300 rpm at 70 degrees Celsius for 5 hours, then at 80 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Emulsified polymer solution disappearing due to thermal decomposition was obtained by this step.

[0104] (2) Preparation of Micro-capsules

[0105] 90 ml of emulsified polymer solution disappearing due to thermal decomposition obtained in step (1), 4 ml of acrylonitrile (carbon precursor polymer), 270 ml of ion exchange water and 5 mg ammonium persulfate were sampled and placed in a 1000 ml flask. Nitrogen gas was bubbled in the aforementioned flask for 30 minutes. Then an agitating blade was mounted on the flask, and reaction was performed by agitating it at a speed of 300 rpm at 70 degrees Celsius for 5 hours, then at 80 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Emulsified micro-capsule solution was obtained by this step. Water was removed from this emulsified micro-capsule solution by freezing and drying to get micro-capsules.

[0106] (3) Spinning, Baking and Carbonization of Microcapsules

[0107] After the micro-capsule obtained in step (2) and the pulverized powder of resin disappearing due to thermal decomposition obtained in step (1) were blended in a mortar at a ratio of 1 to 1 (in weight percentage), they were kneaded while being heated at 120 degrees Celsius in nitrogen atmosphere, thereby getting a resin lump.

[0108] Then this resin lump was put into a copper-made crucible having a diameter of 30 mm and a length of 100 mm with a 1 mm-diameter pore on the bottom. In the nitrogen atmosphere, this copper-made crucible was heated to 170 degrees Celsius by a ribbon heater. Through the pore on the bottom of the copper-made crucible, molten resin was wound on a motor driven at a peripheral speed of 50 m/min., thereby allowing the aforementioned resin lump to be spun.

[0109] The fiber gained in the aforementioned spinning step was subjected to melt-proofing in an air flow rate of 30 ml/min. Then it was heated and baked up to 1000 degrees Celsius at a temperature rising speed of 10 degrees Celsius/hour in the atmosphere of flowing nitrogen in a baking kiln. Then it was heated by a Tammann electric furnace up to 3000 degrees Celsius at a temperature rising speed of 30 degrees Celsius/hour, and was subjected to graphitization.

[0110] The carbon fiber gained in the aforementioned step was a hollow carbon fiber consisting of three to scores of graphite layers constituting a 3-to 12-nm diameter wall having a pore diameter of 1 to 3 nm.

[0111] The amount of metal and metallic compound in the obtained hollow fiber was measured according to the specified in the Japanese Industrial Standards (graphite ash measuring procedure) to get the value of 0.01 wt %.

[0112] (4) Composite Preparation Method

[0113] The hollow carbon fiber gained in the aforementioned step was used as a filler and was combined with epoxy resin to form a composite. This composite was characterized by excellent properties such as light weight, superb strength and high resistance to heat. It was very useful for various types of structural members.

Second Embodiment

[0114] (1) Synthesis of Resin Disappearing due to Thermal Decomposition

[0115] 35 ml of methyl methacrylate, 350 ml of ion exchange water and 29 gm of ammonium persulfate were put in a 1000 ml flask, and ultrasonic wave was applied for 30 minutes while nitrogen was bubbling. An agitating blade was mounted on the flask, and reaction was performed by agitating it at a speed of 300 rpm at 70 degrees Celsius for 5 hours, then at 80 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Emulsified polymer solution disappearing due to thermal decomposition was obtained by this step.

[0116] (2) Preparation of Micro-capsules from Polymer Disappearing due to Thermal Decomposition and Carbon Precursor Polymer

[0117] 90 ml of emulsified polymer solution disappearing due to thermal decomposition obtained in step (1), 4 ml of acrylonitrile, 270 ml of ion exchange water and 5 mg of ammonium persulfate were placed in a 1000 ml flask. Nitrogen gas was bubbled for 30 minutes. Then an agitating blade was mounted on the flask, and reaction was performed by agitating it at a speed of 300 rpm at 70 degrees Celsius for 5 hours, then at 80 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Emulsified micro-capsule solution was obtained by this step. Water was removed from this emulsified microcapsule solution by freezing and drying to get microcapsules.

[0118] (3) Carbonization of Micro-Capsules

[0119] The micro-capsule obtained in step (2) was subjected to melt-proofing in an air flow rate of 30 ml/min. Then it was heated and baked up to 1000 degrees Celsius at a temperature rising speed of 10 degrees Celsius/hour in the atmosphere of flowing nitrogen. Then it was heated by a Tammann electric furnace up to 3000 degrees Celsius at a temperature rising speed of 30 degrees Celsius/hour, and was subjected to graphitization.

[0120] The carbon fiber gained in the aforementioned step was a hollow carbon fiber consisting of three to scores of graphite layers constituting a 5 to 50-nm diameter wall having a pore diameter of 3 to 30 nm.

Third Embodiment Adjustment of Polymer Disappearing due to Thermal Decomposition including Metallic Complex

[0121] 35 g of methyl methacrylate, 2 mg of bis(acetylacetone) platinum, 320 g of azobisisobutylonitrile, 350 ml of ion exchange water and 1.0 g of polyvinyl alcohol were made to react in a 1000 ml flask at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius for 8 hours. Particles were collected by filtering, and were washed in water and dried to get polymer particles disappearing due to thermal decomposition having an average particle diameter of about 200 microns including platinum.

Preparation of Micro-Capsules

[0122] 50 g of the polymer particles prepared in the above step and 25 g of phenol resin having a particle diameter of 50 microns were treated by a hybridizer to get micro-capsules where polymethyl methacrylate including a platinum complex was used as a core and phenol resin was used as a shell.

Spinning and Carbonization of Micro-Capsule

[0123] The micro-capsule prepared in the above step and pulverized polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition including platinum prepared in the above step were slightly mixed at a ratio of 1 to 1 in weight percentage in a mortar. Then they were kneaded while being heated at 120 degrees Celsius in nitrogen atmosphere, thereby getting a resin lump. Then this resin lump was put into a copper-made crucible having a diameter of 30 mm and a length of 100 mm with a 1 mm-diameter pore on the bottom. In the nitrogen atmosphere, this copper-made crucible was heated to 170 degrees Celsius by a ribbon heater. Through the pore on the bottom of the copper-made crucible, molten resin was wound on a motor driven at a peripheral speed of 50 meters, thereby allowing the aforementioned resin lump to be spun.

[0124] The fiber gained by spinning was cut into 1 mm pieces, and was then subjected to melt-proofing in an air flow rate of 30 ml/min. Then it was baked up to 1000 degrees Celsius at a temperature rising speed of 10 degrees Celsius/hour in the atmosphere of flowing nitrogen in a braking kiln. Then it was heated by a Tammann electric furnace up to 3000 degrees Celsius at a temperature rising speed of 30 degrees Celsius/hour, and was subjected to graphitization.

[0125] The obtained carbon fiber was examined by a transmission electron microscope to find out that it had a diameter of 3 to 12 nm with a pore diameter from 1 to 3 nm. Further, 70% of the examined samples had a diameter from 8 to 12 nm. It was found out to be a hollow carbon fiber consisting of three to scores of graphite layers constituting the wall.

[0126] 1 g of this hollow fiber was put into a magnetic crucible having an inner volume of 5 ml. It was subjected to ash treatment at 600 degrees Celsius in the atmosphere of air for three hours. Ash was molten together with 20 g of sodium peroxide, and was dissolved in chloroazotic acid to get a solution. The concentration of platinum in this solution was measured and found out to be 0.10%.

Electron Discharge Characteristics of an Electron Discharge Device wherein a Hollow Carbon Fiber is used as an Electron Discharge Source

[0127] Paste using the aforementioned hollow carbon fiber was prepared. The paste was made up of 1 part by weight of hollow carbon fiber dispersed over 2 parts by weight of butyl Carbitol acetate and 0.2 part by weight of ethyl cellulose.

[0128] This paste was used to create a cathode substrate having a structure serving as a basis for FIG. 1. Namely, a 5 mm square cathode electrode was formed by pattern printing and baking of a silver paste on the borosilicate glass substrate. The aforementioned 6 mm square carbon fiber paste was printed so as to cover this cathode electrode, and was baked 550 degrees Celsius in air to get a hollow carbon fiber film. Fifty microns above this simple electrode, a stainless steel disk having a diameter of 1 mm was placed as an anode face-to-face with it via a spacer.

[0129] This cathode and anode were set to a vacuum device to get a vacuum of 1×10 (0.5) Pa by evacuation.

[0130] Voltage was applied between the cathode and anode and the current discharged from the cathode was measured to verify the voltage where electron discharge current started to occur. It was revealed that the limit of the current measurement was 1×10 (0.7) amperes. When a voltage of 65 volts was applied, the measurement limit of 1×10 (0.7) amperes was observed.

Fourth Example Preparation of Emulsified Polymer Solution Disappearing due to Thermal Decomposition without Metallic Complex

[0131] “2 mg of bis(acetylacetone) platinum” in the preparation of emulsified polymer solution disappearing due to thermal decomposition in First Embodiment was changed to “0 mg of bis(acetylacetone) platinum”. Otherwise, the present embodiment is the same as First Embodiment. Based on this condition, polymer particles disappearing due to thermal decomposition without metallic complex were prepared.

Preparation of Carbon Precursor without Metallic Complex

[0132] 50 g of polymer particles disappearing due to thermal decomposition without metallic complex prepared in the aforementioned step and 25 g of phenol resin particles having a particle diameter of 5 microns were treated by a hybridizer to get micro-capsules without metallic complex where polymethyl methacrylate was used as a core and phenol resin was used as a shell.

Treatment of the Metallic Complex Deposited on the Outside of Micro-capsules, Spinning and Carbonization

[0133] Micro-capsules without metallic complex prepared in the aforementioned step and polymer particles disappearing due to thermal decomposition including platinum prepared in Embodiment 1 were slightly mixed at a ratio of 1 to 1 in weight percentage in a mortar.

[0134] Then they were kneaded while being heated at 120 degrees Celsius in nitrogen atmosphere, thereby getting a resin lump. Then this resin lump was subjected to the treatment of spinning, melt-proofing, braking and graphitization in the manner similar to that of the first Embodiment.

[0135] The obtained carbon fiber was examined by a transmission electron microscope, and it was found out to have a diameter of 3 to 12 nm with a pore diameter from 1 to 3 nm. Further, 70% of the examined samples had a diameter from 8 to 12 nm. It was a hollow carbon fiber consisting of three to scores of graphite layers constituting the wall.

[0136] Similarly to the First Embodiment, this hollow carbon fiber was subjected to ashing treatment and platinum concentration was found to be 0.06% according to the ICP measurement.

Electron Discharge Characteristics of an Electron Discharge Device wherein a Hollow Carbon Fiber is used as an Electron Discharge Source

[0137] According to the same measuring method as that of the First Embodiment, the aforementioned hollow carbon fiber was used to measure the current discharged from the cathode when voltage was applied between the cathode and anode. As a result, the measurement limit of 1×10 (0.7) amperes was observed when a voltage of 75 volts was applied.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Emulsified Polymer Solution Disappearing due to Thermal Decomposition without Metallic Complex

[0138] “2 mg of bis (acetylacetone) platinum” in the preparation of emulsified polymer solution disappearing due to thermal decomposition in First Embodiment was changed to “0 mg of bis (acetylacetone) platinum”. Otherwise, the present embodiment is the same as First Embodiment. Based on this condition, polymer particles disappearing due to thermal decomposition without metallic complex were prepared.

Preparation of Carbon Precursor without Metallic Complex

[0139] Carbon precursor without metallic complex was prepared under the same condition as that of the First Embodiment, except that 90 g of the aforementioned emulsified polymer solution disappearing due to thermal decomposition without metallic complex as polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition was used.

Spinning and Carbonization of Micro-Capsules without Metallic Capsule

[0140] Carbon fibers without metallic capsule were produced under the same condition as that of the First Embodiment, except that the aforementioned micro-capsules without metallic capsule were used as as metallic capsules, and the pulverized polymer prepared by freezing and drying the aforementioned emulsified polymer solution disappearing due to thermal decomposition without metallic complex to remove water was used as pulverized polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition.

[0141] The obtained carbon fiber was examined by a transmission electron microscope, and it was found out to have a diameter of 3 to 12 nm with a pore diameter from 1 to 3 nm. Further, 70% of the examined samples had a diameter from 8 to 12 nm. It was a hollow carbon fiber consisting of three to scores of graphite layers constituting the wall.

Electron Discharge Characteristics of an Electron Discharge Device wherein a Hollow Carbon Fiber without Metallic Complex is used as an Electron Discharge Source

[0142] According to the same measuring method as that of the First Embodiment, the aforementioned hollow carbon fiber was used to measure the current discharged from the cathode when voltage was applied between the cathode and anode. As a result, the measurement limit of 1×10 (0.7) amperes was observed when a voltage of 800 volts was applied.

[0143] The voltage applied when the measurement limit current is observed is extremely high, and electric resistance is also high in Comparative Example 1, as compared with the First and Second Embodiments where the hollow carbon fiber including the metallic complex is used. In this respect, electron discharge characteristics are poorer in Comparative Example 1.

Effects of the Invention

[0144] Hollow carbon fibers and hollow carbon particles according to the present invention hardly contain metal or metallic compound, or does not contain it at all. Hence, they are free from various contaminations due to metal or unstable electric discharge, and can be used in a great variety of fields.

[0145] The method of producing hollow carbon fibers according to the present invention makes it possible to control hollow carbon fibers represented by carbon tubes with respect to characteristic shape, fiber diameter, fiber lengths, pore diameter, thickness of the wall-forming graphite layer, crystallinity and the like.

[0146] No metallic catalyst is used in the process of producing hollow carbon fibers and hollow carbon particles; hence, no refining is required. The present invention allows hollow carbon fibers and hollow carbon particles of a desired shape to be produced at a high yield rate.

[0147] Hollow carbon fibers and hollow carbon particles according to the present invention provide composites characterized by excellent properties such as light weight, superb strength and high resistance to heat.

[0148] The present invention allows the particle diameter, pore diameter and wall to be determined by adjusting hollow carbon particles represented by fullerene. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hollow carbon fiber production method comprising a step of baking and carbonizing polymer particles having a volume of 100 mm³ or smaller after deforming.
 2. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 1, characterized by deforming polymer particles with heat.
 3. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 1, characterized by deforming polymer particles with mechanical force.
 4. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 1, characterized by deforming polymer particles with irradiation of electromagnetic wave.
 5. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 1, characterized by deforming polymer particles by a combination of the methods described in claims 2 to
 4. 6. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter of a polymer particle is 5 to 5000 times that of a hollow carbon fiber as a final product.
 7. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 1, characterized in that one or both ends of the fiber are closed.
 8. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 1, characterized in that the aspect ratio (length/diameter) of the fiber is 1 or more.
 9. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 1, characterized in that the diameter and length of a fiber are controlled by the volume of polymer particles.
 10. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 1, characterized by containing a step of producing polymer particles by a combination of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers.
 11. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 10, characterized by containing a step of producing a micro-capsule from polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers, and baking said micro-capsule subsequent to melting and spinning.
 12. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 10, characterized in that the difference between softening temperature of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and that of carbon precursor polymers does not exceed 100 degrees Celsius.
 13. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the ratio between inner and outer diameters of said hollow carbon fiber is controlled by the ratio of thickness between the layer of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and that of carbon precursor polymers.
 14. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the number of layers of said hollow carbon fiber is controlled by a ratio of thickness between the layer of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and that of carbon precursor polymer.
 15. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by using polymers wherein the residual carbon percentage of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition does not exceed 10 percent by weight and that of carbon precursor polymer does not exceed 15 percent by weight.
 16. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 11, characterized in that said micro-capsules are prepared by interfacial chemical technique.
 17. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 11, characterized in that said micro-capsules are prepared by seed polymerization.
 18. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 11, characterized in that said carbon precursor polymers is formed of monomer comprising a radically polymerizable groups.
 19. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 18, characterized in that said carbon precursor polymer has the units formed of acrylonitrile monomers contained in polymers.
 20. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 11, characterized in that said polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition is formed of the monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group.
 21. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 11, characterized in that a polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon precursor polymer are formed of the monomer comprising radically polymerizable groups, and a compound wherein carbon remains as a major component in the process of carbonization is used as a polymerization initiator.
 22. A hollow carbon fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer particles each have a prescribed volume.
 23. A hollow carbon fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and 16 to 22, comprising a hollow formed of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon shell formed of carbon precursor polymer.
 24. A composite of a hollow carbon fiber according to claim 23 and resin.
 25. A hollow carbon fiber characterized in that the content of metal and metallic compound does not exceed 1 percent by weight.
 26. A hollow carbon fiber production method, characterized in that the content of metal and metallic compound does not exceed 1 percent by weight, where no metal or metallic compound is used in steps of production.
 27. A hollow carbon fiber production method characterized in that the content of metal and metallic compound does not exceed 1 percent by weight, where no metal or metallic compound is eliminated or refined in steps of production.
 28. A hollow carbon fiber according to claim 25, comprising a hollow formed of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon shell formed of carbon precursor polymer.
 29. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that said hollow carbon fiber is produced by a combination of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers.
 30. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 29, characterized by containing a step of producing a micro-capsule comprising polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers, and baking said micro-capsule subsequent to melting and spinning.
 31. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 30, characterized by using polymers wherein the residual carbon percentage of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition does not exceed 10 percent by weight and that of carbon precursor polymers does not exceed 15 percent by weight.
 32. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 30, characterized in that said micro-capsules are prepared by interfacial chemical technique.
 33. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 30, characterized in that said micro-capsules are prepared by seed polymerization.
 34. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 29, characterized in that said carbon precursor polymers are formed of monomers comprising a radically polymerizable group.
 35. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 34, characterized in that said carbon precursor polymer has 35 mole percent or more of units formed of acrylonitrile monomers contained in polymer.
 36. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 29, characterized in that said polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition is formed of the monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group.
 37. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 29, characterized in that a polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon precursor polymer are formed of the monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group, and the compound wherein carbon remains as a major component in the process of carbonization is used as a polymerization initiator.
 38. A hollow carbon fiber production method according to claim 29, characterized in that a polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon precursor polymer are formed of a monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group, and a compound comprising only the element selected from among carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine is used as a polymerization initiator.
 39. A composite of the hollow carbon fiber according to claim 25 and resin.
 40. A hollow carbon particle comprising a hollow formed of polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon shell formed of carbon precursor polymer.
 41. A hollow carbon particle production method characterized in that said hollow carbon fiber is produced by a combination of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers.
 42. A hollow carbon particle production method according to claim 41, characterized by containing a step of producing a micro-capsule comprising polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition and carbon precursor polymers, and baking said micro-capsule.
 43. A hollow carbon particle production method according to claim 41 or 42, characterized by using polymers wherein the residual carbon percentage of polymers disappearing due to thermal decomposition does not exceed 10 percent by weight and that of carbon precursor polymers does not exceed 15 percent by weight.
 44. A hollow carbon particle production method according to claim 42, characterized in that said micro-capsules are prepared by interfacial chemical technique.
 45. A hollow carbon particle production method according to claim 42, characterized in that said micro-capsules are prepared by seed polymerization.
 46. A hollow carbon particle production method according to claim 42, characterized in that said carbon precursor polymers are formed of monomers comprising a radically polymerizable group.
 47. A hollow carbon particle production method according to claim 46, characterized in that said carbon precursor polymer has 35 mole percent or more of units formed of acrylonitrile monomers contained in polymers.
 48. A hollow carbon particle production method according to claim 42, characterized in that said polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition is formed of the monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group.
 49. A hollow carbon particle production method according to claim 42, characterized in that a polymer disappearing due to thermal decomposition and a carbon precursor polymer are formed of a monomer comprising a radically polymerizable group, and a compound comprising only the element selected from among carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine is used as a polymerization initiator. 